Podcast: Under The Golden Dome Week 11 (3/24/2017)

Six weeks ago, legislation about changing Iowa's collective bargaining law featured a long and contentious debate in both chambers, and hundreds of demonstrators at the Capitol. During this process lobbyist Drew Klein, state director for Americans for Prosperity, advocated for this bill. Turns out he was not registered during this time as a lobbyist. The House Ethics Committee took up a complaint about Klein this week and we'll hear part of the committee's process during their first action of this General Assembly.

For 80 years, consumer fireworks have been illegal in Iowa. A bill passes in the Senate and if it becomes law, first class fireworks can be sold and used in Iowa this summer and again in the winter. Those include consumer fireworks like firecrackers, Roman candles, and bottle rockets. Senator Jake Chapman is the floor manager, and answers many questions during a four-hour debate as opponents line up 39 amendments for the bill.

This week it was expected a workers' compensation bill that passed in the House would come before the Senate, but this did not happen. We'll hear an Iowa Public Radio-hosted conversation with Republican Representative Andy McKean, who voted for the bill, but only after "draconian" measures were taken away. He discusses the future of this bill in the Capitol's Law Library with Senator Nate Boulton, who opposes the bill even in its modified form.

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Week 10's podcast begins with the state of Iowa being low on money, again. The Revenue Estimating Conference projects a $131 million shortfall by July 1st. Legislative leaders say budget cuts this close to the end of the fiscal year aren't practical, so the state's rainy day funds will be used.

This week, the House passes a bill expanding gun rights. Among the things it will allow includes a person with a permit can bring a concealed pistol to city council meetings, but not school board meetings. Similarly, one can be brought inside the state Capitol.

Representative Matt Windschitl leads the effort to pass this bill. During the debate he says, “If I had my druthers, a law-abiding Iowan would be able to carry a firearm wherever they are lawfully present.”

This is the first funnel week of the session, where bills that have not come before a committee are eliminated. It also provides party leaders a chance to reflect on what they've accomplished and what they can realistically expect to see coming to the House or Senate floor for debate. Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids), minority leader, says the Republicans' remaining agenda is "nonsense." House Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) says Hogg's use of "hyperbole" is an example of the Democrats having a tough time refuting the success of a Republican-dominated session.

There is lingering bitterness from last week's long debate about changing Iowa's collective bargaining laws. On Monday afternoon, Democratic senators use their points of personal privilege to voice their disappointment and to ask more questions about the authorship of the bill.